#but transitioning is not at all related to these terms to be clear.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

A 3-Part Book Editing Checklist

PART 1: The "Big Picture"

Identify and fix macro problems relating to plot, character development, narrative arc, and theme.

THEME & IDEA

Is a compelling dramatic question present throughout the book?

Is there a clear theme? Is it well-developed and engaging?

Can you recap your story or argument in this single sentence? “[Character] must [do something] to achieve [goal] or [reason why the audience should care]”

Is there a clear central conflict? Is it resolved by the end of the book?

STRUCTURE Fiction & Memoir; Nonfiction

Fiction & Memoir

Is there a strong beginning, middle, end?

Does your exposition effectively set the story? Introduce the cast of characters? Impart backstory?

Is your rising action triggered by a compelling inciting incident? Does it escalate the conflict and raise the tension?

Is the pace of each act in the narrative arc appropriate?

Does the plot maintain forward movement in each chapter? Do subplots support that momentum?

Are all major plot threads and subplots resolved by the denouement?

Do the plot points sync with the narrative arc and theme that you want to convey?

Do the plot twists make sense? Are there plot holes in the story?

Nonfiction

Does the first chapter of your book introduce your central question and explain why it’s important to answer?

Does your exposition adequately introduce readers to your topic? Does it provide enough context for them to understand your main argument?

Does each chapter or section build on the information that comes beforehand?

Is the length and pace of each chapter appropriate?

Does each chapter contain an appropriate mixture of fact and anecdote?

Is your structure engaging and easy to follow?

Does your book contain any extra information that distracts or detracts from the main argument?

Are there any holes or gaps in your argument?

CHARACTERS Protagonist; Antagonist; Supporting Cast; Setting

Protagonist

Does the protagonist have strengths and weaknesses? Do these interact with the story appropriately?

Does the protagonist grow and change?

Does the protagonist have defining mannerisms? Clear character traits?

Does the protagonist have external and internal goals? Are they visible throughout the story?

Does the protagonist act believably in each scene? Is the protagonist’s behavior consistent? Chart the protagonist’s character arc over the course of the story. Is it clearly and compellingly conveyed in the story?

Antagonist

Does the antagonist have story motivation?

Does the antagonist have a believable backstory?

Is the relationship between the protagonist and the antagonist clearly defined?

Supporting Cast

Is the supporting cast fleshed out?

Do the secondary characters have a reason to be there? Do they:

Reveal key details?

Advance the plot?

Motivate the protagonist?

Help define the setting?

Are interactions between the secondary character and the protagonist believable and well-placed?

Do the secondary characters have distinguishing characteristics or mannerisms?

Setting

Does the setting make sense for the purposes of the story? Does it matter to the plot?

Are descriptions of the setting rendered effectively and appropriately?

Does each scene convey a clear sense of place and time?

Is the worldbuilding fully realized? Logically consistent?

Fact-check each scene in relation to the setting. Are objects, props, mannerisms, and behaviors native to the time and place of the story?

PART 2: The "Scene" Level

Strengthen specific elements within individual scenes

SCENES & CHAPTERS

Is the opening scene effective?

Does it start in the right place?

Does it have a hook? Is the hook immediately gripping?

Are the scenes appropriately paced to grab the readers’ attention? Are the chapter lengths effective?

Does each scene serve a purpose in the story?

Is each scene oriented in terms of time and place?

Are scene transitions smooth?

DIALOGUE

Does the dialogue serve a purpose in each scene? Does it:

Provide information?

Advance the plot?

Help the pace?

Does each character have a distinct voice?

Is the dialogue believable for the time and place of the story? Is the word choice reflective of the time period?

Does the dialogue use action beats to control the pace of the scene?

COMPOSITION Voice & Point of View; Prose

Voice & Point of View

Is the narrator’s voice consistent?

Is the voice appropriate given the context of the book and its story or argument?

Is foreshadowing used effectively, if applicable? Metaphors? Similes?

Is the viewpoint character always clear? Is it consistent between scenes?

Is the point of view suitable for each scene? Is there a better alternative for a viewpoint character in any given scene?

Prose

Is the backstory of the world or characters efficiently woven into the story?

Does each sentence contribute something to the story?

Do you “show, don’t tell” with your dialogue, characters, and setting?

QUOTES & REFERENCES

Are quotes and references used to support the argument?

Are all of your sources reliable?

Do quotes help aid the narrative progression, or do they interrupt it?

Have you paraphrased where possible?

Are there appropriate transitions before and after references?

Are all quotations accurate?

Have you chosen a citation style?

Have you cited all references according to that style?

PART 3: The "Line" Edit

Ensure the text is objectively correct. This covers everything from typos and grammar to continuity and syntax.

PUNCTUATION & DIALOGUE

Limit the use of adverbs in your dialogue tags. (Show, don’t tell!)

✗ “Why did you eat my turkey sandwich?” said Harry angrily. ✓ Harry upended the table. “Why did you eat my turkey sandwich?”

Check for the use of other dialogue tags and replace them with “said” and “asked,” unless other emphasis is absolutely necessary.

✗ “Did you just stab me with this thimble?” queried Amber. ✓ “Did you just stab me with this thimble?” asked Amber.

Check that all of the dialogue is formatted correctly.

✗ “I love you.” Said Pam. ✓ “I love you,” said Pam.

VOICE

Limit the use of weak verbs and adverbs in general.

✗ Leonard ran quickly to school. ✓ Leonard sprinted to school.

Replace all “hidden” verbs.

✗ Offer an explanation ✓ Explain

Check for the use of passive voice and replace with active voice, whenever appropriate.

✗ The ball was kicked. ✓ She kicked the ball.

Use “telling” words such as “felt,” “saw,” “knew,” and “seemed” sparingly.

✗ His head felt awful. ✓ His head throbbed.

LANGUAGE

Delete vague and subjective words.

✗ Could, might, maybe, more, poor, good, excellent, bad, some, multiple, really, literally, suddenly, simply, just, a little, almost, etc

Delete all instances of cliches in the text.

✗ It was a dark and stormy night.

Check for excessive repetition in the text.

✗ Go to [do something]

Check for instances of overly complicated language.

✗ In close proximity ✓ Near

Source ⚜ More: Writing Worksheets & Templates Writing References: Plot ⚜ Character ⚜ Worldbuilding

More Notes: On Editing

[bikenesmith]

Despite [Xavier’s] previous insistence that he is only whole when able-bodied, he comes to terms very quickly with his return to disability: “My back is shattered, a parting gift from the Shadow King… It appears… if I am ever to achieve my dream… I will need all of you… to walk me there” (Nicieza 23). In the span of a single panel, Xavier acknowledges that he is once again disabled, accepts it, and asks his teammates for help. Due to his previous elation at becoming able-bodied, one would think he would require more time to adjust, to shift his identity once more from “able-bodied” to “differently-abled.” The ease in which Professor X resumes his disabled identity lends itself to the notion that being able-bodied, not disabled, is a plot device. He takes more time to adjust to using his legs than he does to losing them, a pattern generally reversed when other characters become disabled. This smooth transition back to disability implies that his truest identity is as a disabled man.

crippled crusaders: disability representation in the superhero genre by cassandra nicol is a central inspiration to my reading of charles xavier's disability (as is the text itself). is charles ever "re-abled”, or is his disability a chronic illness that dramatically waxes + wanes?

(this is a rewrite/expansion of a previous post that includes many more textual examples + visual aides! also posted on twitter here)

(also check out this amazing xxplastic--cubexx commission ouchpotatoex gifted me that is related to this concept 🥹)

the dominant, most objective[?] read is that charles becomes abled, is disabled, + becomes abled again ad nauseam. yet this narrative trend has also licensed a reading where charles’ disability is, functionally, a chronic illness that flares due to outward stimuli.

whether charles’ paraplegia is due to physical injury or a brain/astral issue isn’t clear, having been complicated over the years by the many ways the text chooses to able + re-disable him. in any case, his paraplegia began after his spine was crushed by a giant rock.

what makes the most sense to me is leaning into that ambiguity. its both — either mental or physical injury/ailment can cause him disablement. the back + forth of charles’ paraplegia signifies he’s uniquely in danger of that specific symptom — paraplegia/spine issues.

like injury or damage to the spine, injury or damage to the brain can lead to quadriplegia or paraplegia. the brain + the spine, the central nervous system, they’re basically extensions of each other, and are some of the most important parts of your body.

from this one can extrapolate that charles has a particularly “weak” spine, and it’s likely to give out if he experiences intense physical OR psionic injury. and as an x-man, he risks that quite often.

before i go further, here's a list of all of charles xavier's ablements + disablements & how they happened. 😭 yes that's an ELEVEN POINT LIST. re: resurrections i counted both his x-force + inferno resurrections as one item. let me know if i missed anything.

methods of disablement + re-ablement

disabled by spinal injury

abled* from new body cloned from tissue

disabled by spinal injury

very briefly abled by contraction of techno-organic virus

disabled by fading of techno-organic virus

briefly abled** by xorn's healing

disabled by xorn removing healing

reabled by wanda's depowering

killed by cyclops

transfers soul into fantomex's abled body

resurrected into abled clone bodies

*: unable to walk for a time due to psychic disablement

**: requires cane to walk

the strongest evidence for charles’ disability as psychic/neurological AND physical chronic illness exists in his story beats post-brood saga, during which his body is destroyed and his soul is transferred into an abled clone-body made from his tissue samples.

however, charles finds that he is not able to walk/walk consistently, despite the fact that there is nothing "wrong" with this new body. in these panels (and in the ones in the coming tweets), charles + lilandra discuss the mental/neurological element of his disability at length.

charles goes through an arduous physical therapy process trying to circumvent the mental barrier, which causes him excruciating pain, and experiences sharp fluctuations in ambulatory ability. it’s basically outright said that his disability is not just in his body, but his brain.

(interestingly, soon after, his health is a central subject once again, after he survives a violent hate crime & hides the injury + resulting health issues. those health issues are then exacerbated by another severe injury at the hands of the strucker twins. thus headmaster mags)

i also think the “ease” with which charles moves from ability one state to another that nicol mentions is important to this. to be clear: we have seen charles agonize over his disability, and especially losing his ability. it’s undeniable that it impacts him emotionally.

but charles doesn’t go through the intense “grieving” process many newly disabled ppl do — the kind he went through himself while recovering from his first spinal injury (see uncanny x-men #309). as nicol points out:

In Xavier's next appearance two issues later, he is seated in a golden wheelchair and seems insistent that his disability not hinder his participation in X-Men adventures. Instead he emphasizes his usefulness with his telepathic powers, declaring, "I too shall be coming. Though I am crippled once again, my particular talents may be needed there" (Portacio and Byrne 6). His disabled status is stressed through a visual weight of the word "crippled," both bolded and italicized in the comic panel, similar to how "whole" was stressed when he became able-bodied in 1983. But here, "crippled" is not laden with judgment. It is merely an acknowledgement of Xavier's condition. This smooth transition back to disability in some ways rectifies his description of "able-bodied" as "whole," as Charles insists that even paraplegic once more, he is still more than capable of being an X-Man, and he is still the most powerful mutant in the world. Regardless of the state of his physical body, Charles knows that his disability need not impose limitations on his actions; he harnesses his role as leader of the X-Men and his disability is, effectively, relegated to background information.

of course, this is in part because charles had already been paraplegic for years, but it can also be read as him just being ready for it. seeing it as an eventuality, a familiar state that he will return to throughout his life. a chronic disability that exists whether or not he can walk.

There is one more major instance in which Professor X becomes able-bodied. In 2002, a mutant named Xorn restores Xavier's ability to walk (Morrison, "All Hell" 32). This is the most short-lived instance of Xavier being able-bodied. Only a year later, Xorn is revealed to be Magneto in disguise, one of Professor X's oldest enemies; Xorn removes the nano-sentinels that had been holding Xavier's spine together, crippling him again (Morrison, "Planet X" 19). Later, once freed from captivity, Xavier reappears in a chair with alien-like legs, giving him 21 autonomous movement (Morrison, "Phoenix Invictus" 27). This time, he makes no mention of his return to paraplegia. He is in full command of the X-Men, and has again made a smooth identity transition from "able-bodied" to "differently-abled." The fact that this occurs once more stresses that to be disabled is part of Charles Xavier's truest identity, and that being able-bodied is a temporary plot point rather than a character trait.

so what does this mean in the krakoan age, the most recent and recognizable instance of charles' "abling"? we've already been shown that a newly grown physical body doesn't necessarily mean that it does not come without his disability.

is the disability a “symptom” of charles' telepathy? is it imprinted in his mind/soul/whatever you want to call what cerebro catalogues, or the form charles takes when transferring into new bodies? is a krakoan-made body uniquely "stronger" than past ones? (R-LDS notwithstanding)

throughout all of krakoa era, there’s never been any mention of what charles feels about making his bodies ambulatory. the closest thing we have to that is the knowledge that he brought his own wheelchairs with him to krakoa (which somewhat supports a "chronic illness" reading, at least).

the fact that charles brought his wheelchairs with him to krakoa.....in a paradise allegedly free of death or sickness he still prepares for his needs to change, as if its an immutable part of him that could resist miracle drugs + literal resurrection.

(but isn't it SO classic x-men bullshit that we only get that insight in the backdrop of an ableist plot where a villain is punished and humiliated.....by being dis-abled? lmfao. in duggan's marauders, disability is considered a punishment worse than death.)

via xuân’s resurrection in new mutants, we know that its possible to have your physical disability preserved when you’re resurrected. so it must have been an active choice of charles' to be resurrected into an abled body.

personally, i find charles' choice to be resurrected in an abled body to be in-character. he's done it before, he frequently mourns his ability to walk, & has always enjoyed running + abled sports. the lack of discussion and attention to this choice is the problem.

imo the best outcome for charles, an iconic disabled character w/ a long complex history w/ his disability, is to canonize this complexity by revisiting the aforementioned story beats and reframing his disability as an intrinsic part of him that he experiences whether he is ambulatory or not.

understanding charles xavier's disability as a chronic disability that simply has fluctuating presentations + support needs is a far more compelling idea than continuing with this on-off-switch thing that only serves to trivialize + erase disability.

some last points:

beyond charles' specific issues, telepathy can by itself already be seen as a disability as it causes issues that are similar to neurological disorders (migraines, fatigue, fainting, pain, visions/hallucinations, etc).

the serum plotline in xmdofp (2014) is clowned on for not making sense but i guess this lowkey works as an argument that it does??? charles' physical disability being connected to his telepathy has precedent. "well in the comics — ☝️🤓"

end of post! if you want to read cassandra nicol's paper check it out here! (if you don't have access to it through a library or institution, message me for a pdf!)

[vivmaek]

Transits that Enhance Beauty & Attraction

✰ my masterlist

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❦ Venus Hours

Click here to calculate planetary hours. I use planetary hours more so as a life hack, it's not something I would go out of my way to plan my days around. But, Venus hours are definitely worth being taken advantage of. All activities related to beauty, love, and the arts will have an especially heightened effect when occurring during Venus hours. Plan dates during these hours, and partake in beauty routines. Taking selfies and posting them during a Venus hour might result in heightened attention. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❦ Fridays

There's a reason why this is everyone's favorite day of the week. This is the perfect time to engage in pursuits of pleasure. Connecting with people comes easier on Fridays which is why it’s so favorable for social activities. Making an effort to relax is essential. Go shopping so you can buy yourself something beautiful. Eat good food, put effort into your appearance, and listen to music that makes you ponder about love. Wear pink or green if you can. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❦ Venus in the First House

People genuinely look GOOD when Venus is transiting through their first house. It is also natural for people to make adjustments to their appearance during this time frame, and it always serves them well in the end. When Venus is in your first house, you can look forward to a month full of good hair days and clear skin. That alone is usually all it takes to greatly boost one's confidence. Attracting attention, especially the romantic kind, also occurs during this transit. I always have encounters that leave me feeling really good about my appearance when Venus is in my first house. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❦ Neptune in the First House

Getting in touch with yourself allows for your inner beauty to radiate outwards, which is oftentimes the result of this transit. The most beautiful people you know are also always the kindest. Acting on compassion will enhance how attractive you appear to others. An air of mystery tends to hang around people when Neptune is transiting through their first house. It is common to have people yearning and fantasizing about you during this transit. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❦ Venus in the Fifth House

This transit brings a lot of fun into my life. There's always an uptake in invites to social engagements, and I’ve had lots of flings and short term relationships begin under this transit. I also tend to discover a lot of new music when Venus transits through my fifth house. My only advice for this time frame is to take full advantage of it! I think leaning into the spontaneity of this transit results in a carefree attitude. You won’t be caught up in appearances because you’ll be having too much fun to really care. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❦ Neptune in the Tenth House

I’m not going to get into all the situations that may occur during this transit. Neptune transiting through the tenth house doesn’t have much to do with physical beauty and attractiveness. But, it is a good time to try and capture photographs of yourself. You’ll look especially good on camera. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Sun Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Sun

During these transits, people often find themselves feeling lively and rejuvenated. A general sense of excitement and love of life is felt quite deeply. This type of energy brings out the best in people and they glow from the inside out. An excellent time to throw parties and host celebrations. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Sun Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Ascendant

You’ll be hard to miss with the transitioning sun positively aspecting your natal ascendant. The people you encounter during this time will find you especially attractive and will feel energized by your presence. Job interviews and first impressions are favorable under this transit. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Moon Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Mars

Getting in touch with your sexual desires is common with these transits. Lots of passionate feelings arise. Insecurities are unlikely to hold you back, you’ll feel sexy and attractive. Being direct about your feelings will result in positive encounters. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Venus Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Sun

It doesn’t take much for you to feel good when these transits are occurring. You’ll feel beautiful and will receive more attention due to this. Go out and have fun. Spend money. Be affectionate with your friends and loved ones. 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Venus Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Moon

A sense of security is generated through these transits. You’ll feel charismatic and easy-going. Emotional harmony is reached and affectionate feelings will be increased. Whatever has been causing you stress will dissipate for the time being and your physical appearance will reflect this. Sexual attractiveness is heightened and you’ll find it easy to connect with the more sensual aspects of life. This is an especially favorable time for haircuts.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Venus Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Venus

You’ll be feeling downright gorgeous and will feel a great need to invest in your appearance. The clothing you buy during this time will be in alignment with your style. You might find yourself experiencing a streak of good luck. It seems as though everything comes easy to you when these transits are occurring. People will be especially kind and affectionate towards you, you’ll have many positive social interactions. Focus on the aspects of life that bring you peace during this time so you can use them again when life becomes more chaotic.  

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

❧ Venus Conjunct / Sextile / Trine Ascendant

The only downside that occurs with these transits is having to deal with a sense of laziness. You’ll want to forget all about your responsibilities. Luckily, you’ll be very well received and can get away with more than you normally would under ordinary circumstances. You’ll find yourself stuck, staring into the mirror because you look THAT good. You might catch yourself constantly making adjustments to your appearance. Warmth and affection will follow you throughout daily life. This would be a good time to take a vacation. 

[genderqueerdykes]

Hey this is a genuine question but what’s a butch and what are « lesboys » ? Are they the same ?

Because I’m really confused on how transman can be lesbians if they consider themselves as guys,

wouldn’t it defeat to whole definition on lesbian which is : « denoting or relating to women who are sexually or romantically attracted exclusively to other women, or to sexual attraction or activity between women. »

or a non man attracted to another non man ,

but since transman are MAN how can they and WHY would they consider themselves as lesbian , when there’s so many other labels they can use like « queer »

Yeah that’s my question and I hope you can help me find an answer to it and sorry If it’s not really clear since I mentioned 2 things that may or may not be related

Anyway thank youuuu

nah that's not what lesbian means at all.

thats the definition of the term "woman loving woman", or wlw for short. its a term that says exactly what it says.

lesbian attraction is a form of queer attraction. much like gay, it is an umbrella term that includes many people. lesbians can be any gender. lesbians can be genderfluid, bigender, genderqueer and trans. lesbians are not all cis women.

a lesboy is a lesbian who idenitifies as a boy/man and a lesbian, or feels their lesbian identity is boyish/manly in some way.

a butch is a masculine queer person who can have any gender, including man. butches can be men.

where does "non-men" begin and end, exactly? why would a bigender woman be disqualified from lesbianism because they have multiple genders? what about genderfluid lesbians? what about lesbians who used to be men? what about lesbians who want to be men?

"but since transman are MAN how can they and WHY would they consider themselves as lesbian , when there’s so many other labels they can use like « queer »"

the better question: is why does this bother you?

that is policing someone else's identity. how is it your right to tell trans men what terms they can and can't use? is this about the definition of lesbian or do you want to control how trans men identify? some trans men start in the lesbian community before realizing theyre trans men and still want to stay. some realize theyre lesbians after transitioning. there really are trransmasc butches out there. i highly recommend talking to some! we have every right to be here.

there are many reasons why that definition of lesbian is harmful and inaccurate. kicking trans people out of the lesbian community only hurts us. hope thats helpful

[the-returnofartemis]

FINDING YOUR PERFECT MATCH: THE NON-NEGOTIABLES IN LOVE

out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing by rumi (poetry) | musical spotlight: for us by v |

“out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. i’ll meet you there.”

when looking for a long-term partner, understanding your non-negotiables — the qualities, values and traits that are absolutely essential for you in a relationship and partner — is crucial for forming a healthy, fulfilling connection. these non-negotiables help define your emotional and relational boundaries in identifying what you need in a partnership. through this, you ensure that you’re not compromising on things that are vital to your happiness and growth. without a clear vision, it’s easy to get swept up in surface-level attraction, chemistry, or external pressures, which can lead you to settle for less than what you deserve. by abiding by your values, you can avoid unwanted heartache and confusion, and make more intentional choices about who to invest your time and energy in.

in today’s society, especially with the astrological influences of pluto in aquarius and the rahu-ketu transit in 1H aquarius and 7H leo, depending on your values, finding a life partner, may become more challenging. these placements may bring an energy that will place more focus on casual dating, individuality, and collective experiences, which might lead to less depth in romantic relationships. in such a time, being clear about your non-negotiables can help you stay grounded and avoid misalignment in your dating life. by analyzing your birth chart, especially the areas connected to your spouse or long-term partnerships — 7H, VENUS, JUNO and the BRIEDE and GROOM persona charts — can give valuable insights. these influences can help you identify and understand the kind of partner and relationship dynamics that will most likely resonate with you on a deep, meaningful level.

☆ 7H ⇢ the seventh house governs your partnerships, both romantic and business-related. the sign ruling your 7H, along with any planets positioned here provides insights into the type of partner you are most likely to attract and the romantic dynamics you might experience.

☆ VENUS ⇢ venus, associated with taurus and libra, embodies themes of love, beauty, relationships, and personal values, as well as our connections to pleasure and aesthetics. by looking at this chart, you’ll be able to get an idea on how you may express love and attraction, as well as what you may value in your romantic partners.

☆ JUNO ⇢ juno is an asteroid that represents commitment, marriage and long-term partnership. your juno persona chart illustrates your ideal version of a partnership and the qualities you seek in a significant other. it also highlights an overview of your ‘future spouse,' representing the ideal version of a life partner for you.

☆ BRIEDE + GROOM ⇢ the briede and groom persona charts reveal your concept of an ideal spouse and illuminates what you truly seek in a partner. depending on your role –whether you identify with the bride or groom persona– these charts can give a deeper understanding into how you approach commitment and marriage. they also shed light on your underlying desires for these significant life stages, helping you realize the purpose of marriage in your life and how it may support your personal growth.

“when the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about.”

ultimately, understanding your non-negotiables in dating and relationships is about knowing yourself and honoring your needs. it’s about investing in relationships that align with your core values and desires, rather than settling for something temporary. by truly understanding yourself, you set the foundation for success in a way that brings fulfillment to all aspects of your life. this way of thinking not only helps you in finding your person but also fosters a deep connection that can withstand the tests of time. by setting firm boundaries for yourself and future partnerships, you make a promise to never settle for less. you affirm that you are never 'too much,' and you are truly worthy of the love and partnership that will support you in becoming the best version of yourself.

“the love you seek, is seeking you.”

listed below are a few categories and questions i came across, along with some i added myself, that are worth considering when exploring your core values and needs. by reflecting on key questions related to these placements in your birth chart, you can see what truly matters to you. at the same time, you can gain insight into the dynamics your partner may bring attention to. all in all, this understanding will support and guide you toward the partnership you desire.

CONFLICT AND COMMUNICATION (3H)

☆ when we disagree, what’s the best way for us to resolve things?

☆ if someone wrongs you, how do you prefer they apologize?

☆ what is your preferred way of communication?

FAMILY AND FRIENDS (4H + 11H)

☆ what’s your relationship with your family like, and how much involvement do you expect from them?

☆ who are your close friends, and how do they reflect on your values?

☆ how would you expect me to relate to your family and friends?

FINANCES (2H + 8H)

☆ what are your views on budgeting, saving, and managing finances?

☆ how do you define wealth, and what are your spending/saving habits?

☆ how do you feel about shared finances? do you currently have any debts?

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE (5H + 6H)

☆ how would you approach health concerns or medical conditions?

☆ what hobbies do you enjoy and how do you spend your free time?

☆ how would you tackle health issues pertaining to your partner/spouse?

MARRIAGE AND LIFE GOALS (1H + 2H)

☆ what’s your concept of marriage?

☆ what top values do you want to bring into our partnership/marriage?

☆ what do you hope to achieve in the near and long term?

RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL LIFE (9H + 12H)

☆ what role does religion play in your life, and how do you envision us practicing together?

☆ what do you expect from your partner/spouse in terms of religious practice?

☆ how important is religious knowledge and growth to you?

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (6H + 7H)

☆ what are your expectations when dividing house and partnership responsibilities?

☆ what are your views on “his” and “her” roles?

☆ what is your idea of balance within partnership?

if you've made it this far, i hope you enjoyed this little corner of my world. thank you for reading and please feel free to share your thoughts. always remember to love yourself as if it's your greatest romance.

the pictures featured in this post are from pinterest.

until next time,

artemis x

[multidimensionalguidance]

The Astrology Behind: The 27 Club

We already know the dreadful and looming stories behind this phenomenon that occurs the most within the music and entertainment industry. A great number of deaths and tragic events that seemed to follow gifted individuals as a fated promise.

Although we know that a great majority passed away due to drugs and unhealthy lifestyle choices, there's also some that had unexpected accidents. Now, for those who study astrology and understand that every age activates certain houses/themes this will seem like a very clear pattern.

In terms of house profections, during the age of 27 our 4th house lights up like a lightbulb ready to come through with the lessons and experiences that match the natal planets, lord, sign, ruling nakshatra, and transit planets as well.

When we think of scary and dark periods we tend to associate them with the profections years that match the 8th and 12th house ( 19, 23, 31, 35, and so on) under the assumption that the 4th house is just a cozy corner, yet the overwhelming number of individuals who lose their life around the ages that fall into this house is rather shocking.

The 4th house rules our home, heritage, mother, ancestry, childhood, parents, sense of security, inner life, emotions, happiness, nourishment, etc. These are the topics that come to life during those years, and often times, the ones that leave the strongest mark in our lives.

For most individuals reaching the ages of 15 or 27 arrives with harsh realizations and lessons associated to the lack of emotional and physical security that we might have or feel within ourselves or at home. At 15 we freshly enter the teenage experience of feeling like an outsider at home, as if we don't fit or belong with our family anymore, and as if the innocence of childhood feels long gone. This is where we turn to being a "rebel" and start seeking nourishment outside of what we've been taught within the confinements of home.

By the time we circle back into this house at 27, getting closer to the taste of 30 which is ruled by the 7th house (long term relationships, commitment, others, etc), we start to re-live yet again what "home" and "nourishment" truly feels like for us as adults who are more experienced at life than a 15 year old.

We realize that the perceived freedom of our early 20's was an illusion, and that what has shaped us into who we are by that point was everything we experienced within the privacy of our inner or private world. All the traumas created at home or by our parents. All the overwhelming expectations of what a family of our own might feel like, what long term commitment means to us, and how close or far we are from breaking generational wounds.

All of this can feel maddening and make us isolate from the world into our shells, as if turning into the crustaceans that represent the sign of Cancer. Since the turmoil is associated with our deepest parts, being unable to find a peaceful resolution within our stormy oceans can lead us to drowning within our waters. It makes us forget that right after the storm is when the sun comes out to bring joy, happiness, fun, pleasure, and good fortune (5th house profection). It's a turning point for all of us within our journey.

It comes with no surprise for a lot of celebrities whose private lives and inner world are exposed for everyone to see to be driven towards unhealthy coping mechanisms. A path to self destruction. Now, not all cases are alike and in some scenarios its accidents in their homeland or related to water.

At any case, they are difficult situations which threaten our inner safety and sense of security. It shakes our emotional foundations and forces us to build from scratch a real sense of "I'm safe in my body, mind, and the environment that I cohabit with others". It's all about learning how to regulate ourselves and not allowing our traumas to keep us from the good things life has to offer.

I'll use Amy Winehouse as an example:

Her 4th house was ruled by Leo with her Sun and Mercury in Uttara Phalguni sitting there. She had to relive and experience themes related to her fame, father, talent, children, creative, romance, self expression, and how it all tied to the way she handled her 4th house themes.

Uttara Phalguni in particular usually stands out or feels deeply interested in music, dancing and yoga. Aryaman, the deity of Uttara Phalguni nakshatra, is the god of patronage, union and is considered as the chief amongst the ancestors. They are deeply affected and involved in relationships.

One of the symbols that rules this nakshatra is the back legs of the bed or a platform. I'll focus on the latter simply because most of the time its only people who wield some sort of power or gift who get to stand on a platform of any kind. Additionally, they also tend to deal a lot with the karma of the father, and not always on the positive end of it.

She had battled with addictions to alcohol and other substances her entire life, but it only got progressively worse after she met the man who would eventually become her future husband. It was said that shortly after meeting him her personality changed and she started to indulge in other vices, such as cocaine and crack (which he knowingly admitted to introducing to her).

On top of it, her own father who had a heavy influence on her (as it usually is for 99% of Leo's) wasn't supportive towards her health when she needed it the most. It was the behavior of her parents and their tumultuous marriage that shaped the way she perceived home, safety, and nourishment. This is even more noticeable with the ruler of her 4th house falling sitting in its own house.

It was the lack of support from home and damaging patterns that made her repeat the same generational curses which inevitably lead her to drowning in her own inner world. She clearly used substances as a coping mechanism (like most do). A way to escape reality and attempt to find safety, even if it only led to more pain and disregulation.

By the end, her difficulties on dealing with these themes became even more noticeable after she divorced her husband and went on a downward spiral that didn't even allow her to perform.

Her story, specifically around the last moments, shows us how impactful and difficult 4th house profections can truly be. Alike to other artist or famous individuals, by the end of their lives (27) a lot of those themes appear over and over again until they can no longer bare with them or find a peaceful and healthy resolution.

So, if you're currently going through or about to enter this house profection, just remember to take it slow and practice as much emotional regulation as possible. Go near water bodies to relax. Seek help from individuals who can heal your mind, body, and spirit, be it professionally or not. And finally, remember that you are not your childhood traumas or wounds.

Thanks for reading <3

Check out my services and testimonials for personal readings (plus more).

Xox

Mary from multidimensionalguidance

[fangirlingpuggle]

Ok so I have just had many thoughts about Seraphim Crocodile and the Crocodile is Luffy's other parent theory and this was a theory idea but also got kinda in fic prompt/au because I have a lot of thoughts and feelings.

So Luffy meeting Seraphim Crocodile and Luffy not only getting an insight into younger Crocodile but also just looking at Seraphim Croco who looks so sad and reserved where the others seem to mirror a lot of their perspective warlords. Just them almost mirroring Luffy's hate of being alone. Luffy relating to Croco and being reminded of his younger self and their being clear parallels between them (maybe even having him put hat on Seraphim Crocodile) while going top seat the fuck out of CP0 or whoever. Because Luffy like this is my little brother/ sorta kid now.

But also while thinking about this thought about other reactions/interactions and just Zoro meeting Seraphim Mihawk and kid actually going all feral Zoro mode on him 'FIGHT ME' and Zoro's just like 'Whose feral angry child is this' and it's like reverse of Mihawk and Zoro's first meeting.

Zoro:Fucking hell I'm not going to go fight a kid that's crazy

Zoro: i could kill you brat stop being stupid

And everyone especially Sanji and all those and the Baratie are just giving Zoro a look.

And then when the Strawhats leave 2 of the Seraphim going with them Crocodile and Mihawk. And them taking on the cabin boy roles mirroring Shanks and Buggy. (Though less cabin boy work more Mihawk not leaving Zoro alone and trying to get him to fight him and Crocodile following Luffy around or learning sharp shooting form Usoop (because yes also pulling in my theory Crocodile was a sharp shooter before losing his hand))

Also had a theory Crocodile used to be a D before changing his name after he transition but rather that it being his old name if Seraphim Crocodile choose the name Crow D El or something because if Luffy ended up adopting a kid of course they'd have the will of D. But also Seraphim Mihawk going just by Hawk and it working cause of the dark wings both have. (Though Sanji just calls him Mini Marimo)

But all this mostly because just imagine Crocodile and Mihawks reaction in the cross guild when they see mini versions of themselves with their student/surrogate son and actual son who doesn't know he's kid yet.

Both ex warlords just blue screen because what the fuck?

Also Law meeting back up and Luffy just like 'Hey Torao we have a kid now here, Sanji and Zoro got one to here' and Law is so so very confused. He's still coming to terms with the fact he has feelings for Luffy whereas Luffy believes they've been pirate married since Punk Hazard and has now adopted them a kid.

[lynxgriffin]

Hey! I just wanted to ask if it's alright, do you have any advice on drawing fight scenes in comics? Especially about how to best pace them? I've been experimenting with drawing comics lately and I have one planned that's gonna be my first time drawing a full (more than one or two panels) fight scene -v-'

Whoof, fight scenes are definitely a challenge! In terms of how long a decent fight scene is, in my experience, if you're working from a script, a fight scene is almost three times as much drawing as a conversation. So just be prepared for that...fight scenes are largely showing instead of telling, and it just takes more images to show a fight clearly!

You obviously want clarity above all else with a fight scene...if you're working in a particular area, it can help to just map out where characters are in relation to their backdrop and each other ahead of time. Assuming it's a two-person fight, you generally want to pick one side of the panel that one person is on, and have the other person on the other. If they change positions in the course of the fight, you should show that transition so the audience is clear on the movement.

At the very least, fight scenes are a space where you can have fun with the camera...get in close, go wide to show a huge impact or hit, frame the characters from below, dutch angles, whatever! So if you want to experiment, that's a good place to do so!

[dresshistorynerd]

i saw your post on greenwashing and one thing that stood out was the talk abt polyester. im trying to not buy fabric for sewing (im just resizing clothes) but im wondering if its worth using any old polyester clothing item? i dont like the idea of throwing them out or donating a garment thats not going to last long to ppl who need long lasting clothes

I'm so sorry I had completely forgotten this (and multiple other) asks into my very full drafts! (I'm trying to go through them at the moment to make it a little more manageable.) At this point I'm sure my answer won't matter much to you, but perhaps someone else has a similar thought!

I definitely agree that it's worth using all clothing till the end! Polyester and other synthetic fibers have the issue of spreading micro-plastics which are devastating to environment and likely cause long term health problems in humans too. I don't really know what's the best option to deal with them since when in use (especially when washed) they shed microplastics and when thrown in the end of their life into a landfill, they also shed microplastics, in both cases they will end up in nature to cause multitude of issues, and to our food eventually. Perhaps the best would be to burn them in some controlled facility, where maybe the particles and likely toxins too they release could be somewhat controlled. Obviously that's not the ideal solution either though. But when the options are using synthetic fabrics longer or throwing them to landfill (or putting them to recycling where they might go faster to landfill (the more there's clothes in recycling, the more of them will end up never recycled actually)), I definitely think using them longer is a better option. At least that way you have to get less new things and you're putting less textiles to the cycle. I also have some old clothes from synthetic fibers I'm trying to use till the end.

I honestly think we should ban synthetic fibers (though there could be some exceptions, and maybe even transitional period, when there's more exceptions, but I'm getting into the weeds here). We already have a devastating amount of synthetic textiles in use and in landfills that are turning into a microplastics every second, and dealing with them won't be easy or simple, so the least we can do is not to add to that amount. To be clear, I don't won't hold it against anyone who buys clothes with synthetic fibers. It's practically impossible at the moment to get underwear, outdoor wear or sports wear without any synthetic fibers, which is precisely why I think there should be legislation to do something about it.

For more details on the effects of microplastics and synthetic fibers in general, I made a post on the effects of the fashion industry, where a lot of it is unsurprisingly related to synthetic fibers. There's also like sources and numbers and stuff.

[jewreallythinkthat]

So I have some thoughts on the Wicked movie (from a Jewish perspective) and as a note, the last time I saw it was the theatre version back and was in November 2023 so these have been BREWING. I'll put them below a cut for spoilers but I can't imagine I'm saying anything not in St stage show!

The one that really strikes me, is the transition during the Oz Dust Ballroom as Glinda, for the first time, sees the world as it is for Elphaba. Cruel, heartless, deliberately provocative and twisted to ensure she is never in the right. And she sees her place in all of that (admittedly, Glinda is the reason for this at Shiz but like not for the rest of Elphaba's life) and it made me think very strongly about my non Jewish friends who have seen the antisemitism skyrocket in the last year and have not been able to unsee what's happened. The moment the rose tinted spectacles are removed and shattered, unable to ever be returned.

Obviously the whole dehumanisation of Elphaba - "it's shown on her skin" etc - is directly relatable to "normal" (for lack of a better term) racism but also things like people saying Jews have horns, calling us the synagogue of satan etc. And of course the links between depictions of witches and how Jews are depicted with boney gnarled bodies, hooked noses etc are kinda clear.

The whole witch hunters storyline which is coming is very pogrom-core too but I'll do that one next year with part two lol

I have other thoughts which I need to work out how I put into words but I will add them as and when!

To be clear though, I fucking loved the film and I will be watching it again.

[zahri-melitor]

I am thinking again about how much 'timelines don't exist, canon isn't real, the comics don't keep track so why should I' annoys me, and it's like:-

Generally this is not true, if you're talking about a particular timeline. Pre-Crisis from the Bronze Age onwards is largely coherent, taken as a whole. Post-Crisis is pretty coherent. New 52's problems largely relate to 'what happened prior to #1' more than outright timeline contradictions in the stories between 2011-2016. Rebirth and Infinite Frontier has become more difficult, given that titles reference each other less frequently, but within a title it remains coherent.

Many of the most bumpy timeline issues are when you transition from one canon to another (particularly with regards to titles that got away with running 'across' the reboot, such as NTT or Batwoman or Batman Inc). That's an artefact of reboots giving some titles special leeway as the retcons happened.

What people are usually complaining about is 'something got retconned' rather than 'the books don't know what order events happened in'. Situations like 'explain Donna Troy's backstory' doesn't have a timeline issue; it has a retcon issue in that she now has multiple mutually exclusive backstories to deal with the fact that NTT was allowed to run across COIE while Diana got rebooted, and so on.

There are in fact situations with timeline issues but usually those are in regards to 'untangle the order events happened in during an Event' not big periods of time. Explaining the order of events in Batman RIP and Final Crisis is something that has timeline issues, in terms of 'when did Bruce disappear from Gotham in respect of Final Crisis' and 'when did Talia arrive with Damian' and so on. However, there's no issues with the relationship of 'did these events happen before or after Batman RIP and Final Crisis'. That in itself is clear. Trying to put DC One Million issues in order is a timeline issue. Whether a story took place before or after DC One Million is mostly a case of looking at the issue number.

And adding all of this up: the reason I tend not to have a lot of respect for 'teeheehee DC doesn't care about canon so why should I' in a fic is that whenever people just decide to ignore things and make three things that happened in three separate decades happen simultaneously, they ALSO don't bother to spend any time looking at how this changed events. You know what? I don't care if you want to make Tim 14 for when Jason returns to Gotham. Go right ahead. But if you're going to do that, can you acknowledge you're writing a canon divergence AU and at least GESTURE to which events that ACTUALLY happened when Tim was 14 just got derailed because Jason is back. (Like Underworld Unleashed. You want even more angst/chaos from Bruce? Have Jason turn back up in Gotham immediately after UU)

[cosmickid-inmotion]

You say you love being queer and writing queer stories but you write straight stories more than anything else. Not hating just seems like its about attention. You say you don't have interest in transitioning but you want to be called a man. It's just not realistic, and seems like you want internet clout. Or, is it because you've gotten called out for fetishizing gay men and now you want a buffer? You're obsession with gay men is weird, stop trying to make everything gay or transgendered. Santiago Garcia isn't trans and Fish isn't gay with Ben. Go back to being a boring tumblr girlie writing smut one shots of an innocent younger reader like everyone else and stop trying to tell a story you can't relate to like gay men

you guys this is my fault honestly. I turned off anons after I got called a slur (a slur for jewish people?? which i am not??? and which they spelled wrong????) but then turned on bc i was having a discussion on my blog about identifying with the term SA survivor vs. victim and wanted people to be able to chime in anonymously.

It's my fault for keeping anon on when I know this is what I get LOLOLOL

Brother, i dont even know what you're trying to say. Are you homophobic? because I make characters gay and trans? Are you transphobic because you don't think I can write gay mens stories bc I'm transmasc? Are you transmedicalist because you said I'm not trans if i dont want to transition? I DONT UNDERSTAND WHATS HAPPENING LOLOLOL

Honestly you sound like those transphobic men that suddenly really care about lesbians and lesbian spaces only because they think trans women going to lesbian bars is the downfall of society (go outside anon. Lesbians dont care if trans women are in their bars, by and large)

Let me make this clear. I am bigender. How I'm about to describe my experience with gender is not everyones, ad certainly not like that of trans men I know. It's mine.

I was afab. I spent probably 26 years identifying as a woman with a few spurts of trying out how they/them identity felt and not liking it. I still identify a little as female. I describe it like 90% masc 10% fem. thats why while I call myself a man and trans masc, there still that femininity there. That can be and is fluid. I, presenting as a woman, was the victim of a lot of gender based violence and manipulation that took advantage of me to varying degrees. From rape to men playing with my feelings. i experienced this as a woman and this is what I know. that's why much of my writing is women mc's and readers.

also, most of my audience are afab women. A lot of stuff i write isn't for me, but bc people have shown interest and i like doing that. In the last several months I've gotten to know more male and gender divserse creaters and have more than just women in my audience. they want more diverse characters, so ill give it.

I love writing all kinds of stories. I love queer stories. I love dark stories exploring how many women have been victimized by men. I like stories where women findd healing with good men. I love coming out stories. I love writing female mc's, like Jana and Sam, who still end up with men but are bisexual and are not any less bisexual. I like writing male characters as trans like Joel and Santi, especially santi because a lot of trans men i know can see themselves in his body type. I like it all.

Also, trans medicalists can fuck right off. You dont need to transition to be trans. Transitioning is not right for everyone. But even that aside, I've only said I dont want to go on T. I've said i want a breast reduction. Not that it's anyones business, but im pretty open.

anyway, your ask is all over the place and idk what you want lol

[gaiasgrimoire]

Learning Lenormand - A Beginner's Guide (Pt. 1)

The History and Origins of Lenormand

The Lenormand card system has its roots in 18th-century Europe and is named after the famous French fortune-teller, Marie-Anne Lenormand (1772–1843). Though Lenormand herself didn’t create the deck, she gained fame for reading cards for notable figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Josephine. Her reputation as a powerful seer contributed to the spread of card divination under her name.

Interestingly, the deck we know today as the Petit Lenormand actually began as a board game called the Game of Hope, created by a German man named Johann Kaspar Hechtel around 1799. The game was designed for entertainment, but the cards—illustrated with simple, everyday images like the Clover, Ship, and Letter—began being used for cartomancy (fortune-telling with cards). The 36-card Lenormand deck became a divination tool due to its practicality and accessibility, offering insight into daily life and practical matters.

How Lenormand Differs from Tarot and Oracle Cards

If you’re familiar with tarot or oracle cards, you’ll find that Lenormand brings a different energy to the table. Here are a few key differences:

Simplicity and Literal Meanings: Tarot cards often carry deep, symbolic meanings that can be interpreted in many layers. Lenormand, by contrast, is more literal and straightforward. For example, the “Rider” card usually represents news or an arrival, and the “Coffin” signifies an ending or a loss.

Combinations Are Key: While tarot cards are typically read individually or in relation to their positions, Lenormand readings rely heavily on card combinations. The meaning of one card is influenced by the surrounding cards, forming sentences or “stories” that give the reading depth.

Predictive Focus: Lenormand is much more predictive and practical. While tarot is often used for psychological or spiritual insight, Lenormand is designed to provide answers about concrete, real-life events like work, relationships, and daily challenges.

Shorter Deck: Tarot consists of 78 cards, while Lenormand has just 36, making it quicker and often easier to shuffle through.

How to Read Lenormand Cards

1. Focus on Card Combinations

In Lenormand, it’s not just about the meaning of a single card but how that card interacts with others. For instance, the Heart card on its own represents love and emotions, but paired with the Rider, it might suggest the arrival of a new love or emotional news. Pay attention to the flow of meanings when you read.

2. Start Small with Simple Spreads

The Three-Card Spread is a great place to begin. In this spread, the cards form a sentence-like structure, where each card adds context and detail to the others. For example, Man + Heart + Letter might indicate that a man is going to express his feelings through a message or letter. Once you’re comfortable, you can move on to the Nine-Card Spread, which provides more detail about a situation. For more advanced readers, the Grand Tableau, which uses all 36 cards, gives an in-depth view of various aspects of life.

3. Ask Clear, Direct Questions

Lenormand thrives on specific questions. Instead of asking something open-ended like “What does the future hold?” you might ask, “What can I expect from my job in the next three months?” This allows the cards to offer more focused guidance.

4. Key Cards to Know:

Rider: News, messages, movement.

Clover: Luck, opportunities, short-term joy.

Ship: Travel, business ventures, long journeys.

House: Home, family, stability.

Coffin: Endings, losses, or transitions.

These are just a few examples, but as you work with the cards, you’ll get to know their meanings and how they apply to various situations.

5. Journal Your Readings

Keep track of your progress by journaling your readings. Write down the question, the cards you drew, and your interpretation. Over time, this will help you refine your skills and notice patterns in the card combinations.

~

Lenormand offers a practical, no-nonsense approach to divination that makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced readers. Its focus on clear answers, card combinations, and everyday situations provides an excellent tool for gaining insight into life’s questions. If you’re looking for a straightforward and predictive system that balances well with tarot or oracle readings, Lenormand is a great place to start.

Happy reading!

[letmereadinpeace4]

I am partway through Ace Attorney Dual Destinies and I have...mixed feelings, to say the least.

First what I like. I really like Athena! I think she's a cool character with a bright personality that contrasts nicely with Phoenix and Apollo, who are more deadpan and sarcastic. Her specialization in psychology is interesting (although I wish it was used more organically, more on that later). She's also "not too skilled", in that while she is talented and well-meaning, she still makes blunders and doesn't always think things through.

The interactions between the three lawyers (Phoenix, Apollo and Athena) are really fun. All of them play off each other nicely and their discussions are fun and engaging. Phoenix seems to have come into his role as a mentor now that his name has been cleared but he still tends to be rather hands-off and lets Apollo and Athena figure things out by themselves, which is understandable and which I prefer to him constantly looking over their shoulders. The decision to alternate between the three as to who is the defense leader and the co-counsel is genius ! I suppose it is controversial in the fanbase, but I like seeing the different thought processes and energies brought by each character.

Simon Blackquill is fun! He took a little getting used to, but after a few trials I am starting to like him. Putting aside the whatthefuckitism that Japanifornia apparently allows convicted prisoners to serve as prosecutors (there's so many things wrong with it I don't know where to start...), he's a good opponent, not too unreasonable, I love his pet bird, and his interactions with the judge are fun! He's so obviously done with Fullbright which is absolutely hilarious (I can relate buddy).

I really enjoy the quality of life improvements, like the investigation part being more linear so that I don't have to go back and forth between settings and present all the evidence in the court record to every damn character to get hints as to what I have to do next (to be honest, aside from a few exceptions I don't enjoy these parts that much and largely prefer the trial part). The checklist is also a nice addition (although with the investigations being more linear it is mostly useless, but still a good addition).

The transition to 3D is... mweh. The new characters modeled in 3D are great, but the old ones... tend to go between "okay I guess" and fucking bad! The models for Klavier and Trucy are atrocious to see! The new models for the settings are gorgeous though, especially the court setting.

Now for what I don't like. This game feels very anime-esque. Ace Attorney has always been unhinged in terms of characters, murders, reactions, etc and I love it, but this game has brought some of anime's worst trend, like the "overtalking", where characters talk without giving any new information and without the dialogue being very interesting or even funny. Like for example, "She would never do that!", "But she did it! And I have evidence!", "Your evidence is bullshit! You're being mean to my friend! She would not do that!" and it makes the cases drag so much! The first case took me a while to get through simply because of that! They also brought more insistence on the "power of friendship" especially in the third case and it completely took me out of the game. The first trilogy also had friendship moments but they were more subdued and more organic. When it comes to character relationships, I am a big supporter of the "less is more" and "actions speak louder than words". If you need your characters to loudly and repeatedly proclaim the existence of their friendship for the audience to believe it, chances are you messed up somewhere. It was especially egregious when Professor Means crushed Athena's spirits in the trial and when practically every character involved in the case had to cheer her up. That was such an awkwardly brought moment. I also felt that it devalued Athena as a character to have her so easily crushed by the words of a witness, words that weren't even so bad in context. If she had been shown struggling all throughout the trial, losing confidence, slipping up, getting flashbacks and all, then yes it might have made sense, but as it was done it was more like

Athena: I have finally found the real muderer! He's slippery and clever but I know I can prove that he did it! He and his philosophy are going down! 😤😤😾😾💪💪 Pr. Means: You suck lady! You can't defend your friend and you also almost got her friend accused of murder! You can't protect anyone! Athena: OMG it's true 😭😭😢😢😩😩I suck and I am going to fail!

I am making allowance for Athena clearly having trauma and it being her first trial, but it could have been written better is what I'm saying.

Finally, the mood matrix is... a thing. I like it in theory but it is so awkwardly introduced. It feels so obviously tacked on for it to be Athena's "thing". Compare that to the Magatama, that reacts when people are hiding things, and the "Perceive" mechanic that allows Apollo to see when people lie. Yes these are obviously outlandish and brought it to add a game mechanic, but they feel more organic that Athena just pulling out a holographic computer and reading people's emotions.

I am not discounting the possibility of me being a tad too harsh on the game. I do have to say however that it is the first one that feels like a chore to get through to get to "the good stuff" (meaning the last trial because I know it will have Phoenix and Edgeworth facing each other in court and Athena and Simon's backstory). So far, I am afraid to say it is my least favorite of the bunch....

[beardedmrbean]

Residents of Chicago are blasting Mayor Brandon Johnson over the city spending more than half a billion dollars on sheltering migrants, with one telling the Democrat to his face during a City Council meeting that he’s the "worst mayor in America." 

The criticism surrounding Johnson and Chicago’s New Arrivals Mission – which so far has cost the city $574.5 million since its inception in August 2022 – comes as the mayor is trying to overcome a $1 billion budget shortfall by the end of the year. The City Council held a meeting Monday during which residents voiced their opposition to an approximately $60 million property tax increase floated as one way to help close the gap. 

"I got a great way what we can do with this budget. First, let's start with cutting off illegals getting free everything, free housing, free schooling, free food. Yeah, let's start with that. That'll save us a lot of money," one woman told Johnson. 

"Let's start there. Then, let's start with you. Your salary. You are going down in history as the worst mayor in America. Let's start with cutting yours. You making too much money," she continued. 

CHICAGO TEACHERS UNION SLAMS NEWSPAPER THAT CALLED THEM OUT FOR THEIR MEMBERS’ CHRONIC ABSENCE

Another resident told Johnson that she is an immigrant who came to the U.S. legally and that she is "very, very embarrassed for what my other fellow Latin American citizens are doing in this city on behalf of the people that work, on behalf of the people that pay taxes, on behalf of the people that contribute to the city. 

"I like to make clear that not everyone is the same. These people came with a wide door open, and they feel entitled to many things that nobody has. There are U.S. citizens suffering from poverty," she said. "There are U.S. citizens on public aid, and these people are here just enjoying the benefits, becoming delinquents, and they have no consequences." 

At one point in the meeting, a resident asked Johnson for his "undivided attention." 

"So this just proves to you the lack of leadership that you show in this city. You can't even give me straight eye contact," he said. "Now I'm going to let you know now, the people of Chicago, we're done with you. 

Johnson’s office said in April that the goal of the New Arrivals Mission is to "provide short-term, emergency shelter to manage this humanitarian crisis, while making long-term investments in the City’s capacity to handle future challenges related to displacement and emerging migration patterns.

"Since August 2022, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has bussed hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers across the United States. The City of Chicago has received the third-most asylum seekers of all major cities in the country, behind New York City and Denver, with nearly 39,000 new arrivals arriving in the City," it added at the time. 

"The City of Chicago, in partnership with the State of Illinois and Cook County, has worked to support new arrivals on the path to self-sufficiency by providing basic necessities including food, temporary emergency shelter, urgent medical care, education, vaccines, and case management and resettlement supports," the city also said. 

As of the end of this year, the New Arrivals Mission shelter system will be phased out. 

"This transition is in line with the sharp decline in migration to Chicago and our current budget realities," Johnson said in October. "We are shifting to a more cost-effective, equitable, and strategic approach that addresses homelessness for all who need support in the City of Chicago." 

Johnson’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday by Fox News Digital. 

[our-trans-youth-experience]

Ask

This trans youth sent his ask to me via message but has allowed me to share it incase it helps others. Thank you anon :)

Anon: "hey i was just wondering if you had any advice for me. i am a teenage transmasc (not entirely sure about my identity yet) but have been experiencing massive dysphoria around my name and chest and stuff. i cant come out to my parents as they are very transphobic and i may end up being disowned. i feel as though i am trapped in this situation of not being able to come out but unable to be happy like this. i am very sorry for the rant hope you have a good day."

_______________________________________

hey welcome :)

I'm also a transmasc kid in a very similar situation to yours, in fact almost identical, so I can relate.

A few things i recommend:

- If you are friends with some people at school you know will be supportive, maybe try come out to a couple of them MAKING IT VERY CLEAR THAT YOU ARE NOT OUT TO ADULTS/YOUR PARENTS. It's not much but being called a preferred name and pronouns by even only a couple of people can make a huge difference.

- If you are able to buy your own clothes or choose what you wear (I am not), I recommend using clothing to express yourself and hide your chest. Layering with thinks like jackets and flannel shirts are a great option as they hide your chest and look quite masc. Additionally, i recommend t-shirts with those big, thick plasticky printed designs on them, as they don't flex very easily hiding your chest a little. Straight cut jeans can help hide curves if you get dysphoric about that. And if all else fails, a big hoodie hides everything

- if you are not able to get a haircut and have long hair, i recommend tucking it in a hat like a beanie to give the appearance of short hair. If it is long enough, you can even flip it over and make it look like a sort of fringe.

- If you wear makeup, or are open to doing that, there are plenty of masculine makeup tutorials out there which can really help make your face appear more masc

- In terms of a binder, I assume that like for me that is not an option. However, layering sports bras can be alright for now. Just make sure to be safe with it, don't size down, and stop if it restricts your breathing at all.

DO NOT attempt to come out to your parents if doing so may put you in any danger. When you are an adult, you can leave home, transition, and be happy. It will get better, I promise <3